Asante Akim Central Celebrates Farmers’ Day; MCE Ekow Aidoo Praises Farmers as Agric Department Reports Major Gains

Asante Akim Central Celebrates Farmers’ Day; MCE Ekow Aidoo Praises Farmers as Agric Department Reports Major Gains

The Asante Akim Central Municipality on Friday marked the 2025 National Farmers’ Day with a colourful ceremony at Nyaboo, where the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Dr. Ekow Aidoo, commended farmers for their unwavering contribution to food security and national development. The event, which brought together traditional leaders, assembly members, farmer-based organisations and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain, highlighted both achievements and ongoing interventions within the sector.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Aidoo expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and praised the gallant farmers whose dedication continues to sustain the nation. He extended appreciation to Nananom, assembly members, departmental heads, and residents of Asante Akim Central for the strong support he has enjoyed since assuming office. According to him, the confidence reposed in him by the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, would not be misplaced.

The MCE emphasised that agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy, with over 65 percent of citizens engaged in the sector. He noted that this year’s Farmers’ Day theme, “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” reflects government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector through value addition, increased productivity, and job creation.

Dr. Aidoo highlighted several government initiatives, including the popular Nkoko Nkete Nkete programme, launched in November 2025 in Kumasi, aimed at boosting local poultry production and reducing Ghana’s dependency on imported chicken. Under the initiative, three million birds are expected to be distributed to 60,000 households across the country. Farmers in Asante Akim Central who registered for the programme were encouraged to visit the Municipal Assembly after one month for their allocations.

The MCE disclosed that the Agric Department had received 30,000 oil palm seedlings and 1,500 coconut seedlings, all of which were successfully distributed to farmers. A total of 1,056 farmers benefitted from the distribution 1,030 males and 26 females. This year, the Assembly will honour 19 outstanding farmers, the highest number ever awarded in the municipality.

Dr. Aidoo also used the platform to caution residents about the rising HIV infections in the Ashanti Region, urging the public to practice safe sex to protect themselves and their families.

Presenting the agricultural performance report for the year, the Municipal Director of Agriculture revealed that several units under the department implemented key programmes to improve productivity and enhance farmer welfare.

Six units undertook intensive campaigns in food and home sanitation, family nutrition, HIV/AIDS prevention, and hygienic food processing practices. The Engineering Unit trained farmers in post-harvest handling, including proper mixed-sand storage methods, and offered guidance on the maintenance of agricultural machinery.

The Extension Unit monitored the registration of farmer groups, collaborated with radio stations to educate the public on good agricultural practices, and sensitised NGOs and farmer-based organisations on the need to register with the Registrar General’s Department or cooperative societies.

The Veterinary Unit conducted disease surveillance on livestock and poultry farms and carried out daily meat inspections at the municipal slaughterhouse. During the year, a total of 552 cattle, 412 sheep, and 364 goats were processed. Dry-meat production also recorded 423 sheep, 261 goats, and 309 pigs. Additionally, 512 dogs and 35 cats were vaccinated against rabies.

The municipality’s total animal population stood at 35,000 poultry, 4,337 turkeys, 8,210 sheep, 6,121 goats, 4,123 fish, 1,360 rabbits, 1,224 cattle and 3,224 dogs.

The Agric Director reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting farmers through the Backyard and Livelihood Initiative and strengthening plant protection services across the municipality.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of awards to deserving farmers, reaffirming the municipality’s pledge to honour and motivate those whose hard work continues to feed Ghana.